Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Brady signed a four-year, $72 million deal before the 2010 season -- the Patriots have since tweaked that deal twice -- and he responded by throwing for 3,900 yards, 36 touchdowns and a cool 111.0 passer rating.

Brady signed a four-year, $72 million deal before the 2010 season -- the Patriots have since tweaked that deal twice -- and he responded by throwing for 3,900 yards, 36 touchdowns and a cool 111.0 passer rating. (Jim Rogash, Getty Images)

Brady signed a four-year, $72 million deal before the 2010 season -- the Patriots have since tweaked that deal twice -- and he responded by throwing for 3,900 yards, 36 touchdowns and a cool 111.0 passer rating.